Australia: Stocks drop 1.61% after 6 days of gains

[SYDNEY] Australian shares dipped 1.61 per cent on Wednesday with broad-based losses as investors took profits after six days of gains.

The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 92.115 points to 5,614.600 at the close of trade. The benchmark rose 0.17 per cent and touched a six-week high of 5,719.90 on Tuesday.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index gained 0.86 per cent or 50.84 points to finish the session at 5,927.750.

REUTERS